Basketball return device and system

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are device and system for rebounding basketballs comprising: a) a bottom frame assembly having a front portion, first and second side portions, and a rear portion, the bottom frame assembly comprising: i) a bottom support frame having a plurality of detachably connected tubular elements defining the edge of the bottom frame assembly, and ii) a bottom screen component attached to the bottom support frame; and b) at least two side frame assemblies, each side frame assembly having front, rear, top, bottom, and portions, each side frame assembly comprising: i) a side support frame having a plurality of detachably connected tubular elements, ii) a side screen component attached to the side support frame, and iii) an attachment component connected to a portion of the side frame assembly, and configured to releasably attach the side frame assembly to a basketball backboard at a substantially fixed position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/396,408, filed Sep. 19, 2017, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to sporting goods, more specifically devices and systems for rebounding a basketball shot.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Accurate basketball shooting is a desirable skill in the game of basketball, and requires considerable hours of taking practice shots. However, unless there is another person retrieving basketball rebounds, chasing after shots consumes time and energy that would be better served on taking actual shots. Moreover, the constant break to chase basketballs can negatively affect the level of concentration and focus necessary for effective practice.

Many current basketball return devices are only effective for returning made shots or missed shots from a short distance away. Moreover, current basketball return devices only fit some backboards.

Accordingly, there remains a need for new basket return devices and systems which are relatively light weight, capable of being folded to a relatively compact size, and can be secured to basketball backboard structures of varying sizes. This need and other needs are satisfied by the various aspects of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the purposes of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention, in one aspect, relates to a basketball return device and system comprising: a bottom frame assembly having a front portion, first and second side portions, and a rear portion, the bottom frame assembly comprising: a bottom support frame having a plurality of detachably connected tubular elements defining the edge of the bottom frame assembly, and a bottom screen component attached to the bottom support frame; and at least two side frame assemblies, each side frame assembly having front, rear, top, bottom, and portions, each side frame assembly comprising: a side support frame having a plurality of detachably connected tubular elements, a side screen component attached to the side support frame, and an attachment component connected to a portion of the side frame assembly, and configured to releasably attach the side frame assembly to a basketball backboard at a substantially fixed position; wherein at least one side frame assembly is detachably connected to the first and second side portions of the bottom frame assembly.

In another exemplary aspect, the invention relates to a basketball return system, comprising: a bottom frame assembly having a front portion, first and second side portions, and a rear portion, the bottom frame assembly comprising: a bottom support frame having a plurality of detachably connected tubular elements defining the edge of the bottom frame assembly, and a bottom screen component attached to the bottom support frame; and at least two side frame assemblies, each side frame assembly having front, rear, top, bottom, and portions, each side frame assembly comprising: a side support frame having a plurality of detachably connected tubular elements, a side screen component attached to the side support frame, and an attachment component connected to a portion of the side frame assembly, and configured to releasably attach the side frame assembly to a basketball backboard at a substantially fixed position; a basketball backboard; and a basketball rim; wherein a first side frame assembly is detachably connected to the first and second side portion of the bottom frame assembly, and a second side frame assembly is detachably connected to the second side portion of the bottom frame assembly; wherein the attachment component is configured to attached to the side frame assembly slide at multiple positions thereby allowing adjustment of the basketball return device to accommodate various backboard heights; wherein the second tubular element is configured to slide into the first tubular element thereby allowing adjustment of the bottom frame assembly to accommodate various backboard widths; and wherein the attachment component is configured to attached to the side frame assembly at multiple positions thereby allowing adjustment of the side frame assembly to accommodate various backboard heights.

In further aspects, the invention also relates to methods for using the disclosed devices and systems.

Additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or can be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a depiction of a basketball return device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a depiction of a basketball return device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a depiction of bottom support frame components of a bottom frame assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a depiction of bottom support frame components of a bottom frame assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a depiction of bottom support frame components of a bottom frame assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a depiction of bottom support frame components of a bottom frame assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a depiction of side support frame components of a side frame assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows a depiction of side support frame components of a side frame assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a depiction of an attachment component of a side frame assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows a depiction of an attachment component of a side frame assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows a depiction of an attachment component of a side frame assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows a depiction of an attachment component of a side frame assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows a depiction of an attachment component of a side frame assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 shows a depiction of a screen component of a basketball return device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 shows a depiction of a support frame for attaching a screen component of a basketball return device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 shows a depiction of a basketball return device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 shows a depiction of a basketball return device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 shows a depiction of an attachment component of a side frame assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 shows a depiction of a basketball return device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention and the Examples included therein.

Before the present articles, systems, devices, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that they are not limited to specific manufacturing methods unless otherwise specified, or to particular materials unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, example methods and materials are now described.

Moreover, it is to be understood that unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited.

A. Definitions

It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the specification and in the claims, the term “comprising” can include the aspects “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In this specification and in the claims which follow, reference will be made to a number of terms which shall be defined herein.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an aperture” includes two or more apertures.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from one particular value, and/or to another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent ‘about,’ it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units are also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

As used herein, the terms “about” and “at or about” mean that the amount or value in question can be the value designated some other value approximately or about the same. It is generally understood, as used herein, that it is the nominal value indicated ±10% variation unless otherwise indicated or inferred. The term is intended to convey that similar values promote equivalent results or effects recited in the claims. That is, it is understood that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but can be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. In general, an amount, size, formulation, parameter or other quantity or characteristic is “about” or “approximate” whether or not expressly stated to be such. It is understood that where “about” is used before a quantitative value, the parameter also includes the specific quantitative value itself, unless specifically stated otherwise.

The terms “first,” “second,” “first part,” “second part,” and the like, where used herein, do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, and are used to distinguish one element from another, unless specifically stated otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. For example, the phrase “optionally affixed to the surface” means that it can or cannot be fixed to a surface.

Disclosed are the components to be used to manufacture the disclosed devices and articles of the invention as well as the materials themselves to be used within the methods disclosed herein. These and other materials are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these materials are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these materials cannot be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein. For example, if a particular material is disclosed and discussed and a number of modifications that can be made to the materials are discussed, specifically contemplated is each and every combination and permutation of the material and the modifications that are possible unless specifically indicated to the contrary. Thus, if a class of materials A, B, and C are disclosed as well as a class of materials D, E, and F and an example of a combination material, A-D is disclosed, then even if each is not individually recited each is individually and collectively contemplated meaning combinations, A-E, A-F, B-D, B-E, B-F, C-D, C-E, and C-F are considered disclosed. Likewise, any subset or combination of these is also disclosed. Thus, for example, the sub-group of A-E, B-F, and C-E would be considered disclosed. This concept applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in methods of making and using the articles and devices of the invention. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect or combination of aspects of the methods of the invention.

It is understood that the devices and systems disclosed herein have certain functions. Disclosed herein are certain structural requirements for performing the disclosed functions, and it is understood that there are a variety of structures that can perform the same function that are related to the disclosed structures, and that these structures will typically achieve the same result.

B. Basketball Return Device and System

As briefly described above, the present disclosure relates, in various aspects, to a devices and systems for returning a basketball, such as from a made or missed shot. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a basketball return device comprising: a) a bottom frame assembly having a front portion, first and second side portions, and a rear portion, the bottom frame assembly comprising: a bottom support frame having a plurality of detachably connected tubular elements defining the edge of the bottom frame assembly, and a bottom screen component attached to the bottom support frame; and b) at least two side frame assemblies, each side frame assembly having front, rear, top, bottom, and portions, each side frame assembly comprising: a side support frame having a plurality of detachably connected tubular elements, a side screen component attached to the side support frame, and an attachment component connected to a portion of the side frame assembly, and configured to releasably attach the side frame assembly to a basketball backboard at a substantially fixed position, In a further aspect, at least one side frame assembly is detachably connected to the first and second side portions of the bottom frame assembly.

In a further aspect, the plurality of detachably connected tubular elements of the bottom support frame and the plurality of detachably connected tubular elements of the side frame assemblies are connected by a coupling means. In a still further aspect, the coupling means can comprise a fitting, flange, joint, coupling, insert, threading, friction fit, snap-fit or other suitable type of attachment or interlocking mechanism, or a combination thereof. In a yet further aspect, the coupling means can comprise a fitting, the fitting having a first coupling portion for coupling to a first end portion of a first tubular element and a second coupling portion for coupling to an opposing end portion of a second tubular element. In a yet further aspect, the tubular element can comprise a fitting connected to a first end portion of the tubular element. In an even further aspect, the tubular element can comprise a first fitting connected to a first end portion and a second fitting connected to a second opposing end portion of the same tubular element. In a still further aspect, the first fitting and second fitting can be connected to the tubular element by the first coupling portions of the first fitting and second fitting.

In a further aspect, the first coupling portion can be connected to the tubular element by an adhesive, friction, brazing, soldering, welding, spot weld, screw with nut, or rivet, or a combination thereof. In a still further aspect, the second coupling portion can be connected to the second tubular element by an adhesive, friction, brazing, soldering, welding, spot weld, screw with nut, or rivet, or a combination thereof. In a yet further aspect, the second coupling portion can comprise an aperture, and the opposing end portion of the second tubular element can comprise a spring button. In an even further aspect, the second coupling portion can be configured to radially connect to the opposing end portion of the second tubular element by extending the spring button through the aperture from a first side of the second coupling portion to a second side of the second coupling portion.

In a further aspect, a first end portion and second opposing end portion of a tubular element can comprise a spring button. In a still further aspect, the second coupling portion of the fitting can be configured to radially connect to the first end portion and second opposing end portion of the tubular element by extending the spring button through the aperture from a first side of the second coupling portion to a second side of the second coupling portion. In a yet further aspect, the first tubular element and second tubular element can be connected by inserting the opposing end of the second tubular element into the fitting.

In a further aspect, the rear portion of the bottom frame assembly can comprise a first tubular element and second tubular element, each tubular element having first and opposing ends. In a still further aspect, the first tubular element and second tubular element can be connected by inserting the first end of the second tubular element into the opposing end of the first tubular element. In a still further aspect, the opposed end of the first tubular element can comprise a fitting, and the first tubular element and second tubular element can be connected by inserting the first end of the second tubular element into the fitting.

In various aspects, the second tubular element can be configured to slide into the first tubular element thereby allowing adjustment of the basketball return device to accommodate various backboard widths. In a further aspect, the front portion of the bottom frame assembly can comprise a tubular element having a first end, opposing end, and a middle arcuate-shaped portion. In a still further aspect, the first end and opposing end can be configured to correspondingly adjust the angle between the side portions of the bottom frame when the size of rear portion of the bottom frame is adjusted.

In various further aspects, the at least one side frame assembly can be detachably connected to the bottom frame assembly by a connecting means. In a yet further aspect, the connecting means can comprise a fitting, flange, joint, coupling, clamp, clip, clasp, or other suitable type of attachment, or a combination thereof. In a still further aspect, the connecting means comprises a clip, the clip having an attachment portion for attaching to a portion of the side frame assembly and a clamping portion for securing to a side portion of the bottom frame assembly. In an even further aspect, the clamping portion comprises a first clip arm and a second clip arm, and the first and second clips arms are configured to clamp the bottom support frame. In a still further aspect, each clip arm can comprise an aperture for connecting the first and second clip arms, and can be configured to forcibly compress the first and second clip arms together in a closed position. In a yet further aspect, the first and second clip arms can be closed by inserting a pin or screw through the apertures. In some aspects, the connecting means can be configured to collapse from an installed configuration to a substantially flat configuration while the side frame assemblies remain substantially connected to the bottom frame assembly.

In various aspects, the bottom support frame can define an outer edge of the bottom frame assembly. In a further aspect, the side support frame can define an outer edge of the side frame assembly. In a still further aspect, the bottom screen component can be contained within the bottom frame assembly edge. In an even further aspect, the side screen component can be contained within the side frame assembly edge.

In a further aspect, the bottom support frame further comprises a plurality of apertures configured for attaching the bottom screen component. In a still further aspect, the side support frame cab further comprise a plurality of apertures configured for attaching the side screen component. In a yet further aspect, the bottom and screen components can be attached by screws, pins, straps, hooks, snaps, bands, fasteners, clips, clasps, or a combination thereof. In an even further aspect, the bottom and side screen components comprise a net, woven elastic strings, or elastic mesh, or combination thereof.

In a further aspect, the bottom and side support frames can be in the shape of a square, rectangle, polygon, isosoles trapezoid, or a combination thereof. In a still further aspect, the bottom and side support frames can have rounded corners. In a yet further aspect, the tubular elements can have a diameter in the range of about 0.5 inches to about 3 inches. In an even further aspect, the bottom and side support frames can be comprised of a rigid material. In a still further aspect, the coupling means can be comprised of a rigid material. In a yet further aspect, the rigid material can comprise a metal or thermoplastic, or a combination thereof. In an even further aspect, the metal can be aluminum, steel, or a combination thereof.

In a further aspect, the attachment component can comprise a hook, clamp, clip, or a combination thereof. In a still further aspect, the attachment component can comprise a hook arm and a clamping arm, the hook arm having a first end and an opposed second end, the second end of the hook arm having a flat plate portion. In a yet further aspect, the flat plate portion can be connected to the side support frame; and the clamping arm having a first end and an opposed second end, the second end of the clamping arm having a flat plate portion,

In a further aspect, the first end of the clamping arm can be connected to the first end of the hook arm; and wherein the clamping arm is configured to secure the device to a basketball backboard by forcibly holding the basketball backboard between the flat plate portion of the clamping arm and the flat plate portion of the hook arm. In a still further aspect, the first end of the clamping arm can be movably connected to the first end of the hook arm. In a yet further aspect, the first end of the hook arm and the first end of the clamp arm can further comprise an aperture; and the hook arm and clip arm can be connected by extending a fastener through the aperture of the first end of the hook arm and aperture of the clamp arm.

In a further aspect, the flat plate portion of the hook arm can comprise a plurality of apertures. In a still further aspect, the hook arm can be connected to the side support frame by extending at least one fastener through at least one aperture of the plurality of apertures of the flat plate portion of the hook arm.

In a further aspect, the first end of the clamping arm can be integrally connected to the first end of the hook arm. In a still further aspect, the hook arm can be a L-shaped elongated member. In a yet further aspect, the clamp arm can be an arcuate-shaped elongated member. In some aspects, the hook arm and the clamp arm can be L-shaped elongated members.

In a further aspect, the attachment component can be configured to attach to the side frame assembly slide at multiple positions thereby allowing adjustment of the basketball return device to accommodate various backboard heights. In a still further aspect, the attachment component can be comprised of a rigid material. In a yet further aspect, the rigid material can comprise a metal or thermoplastic, or a combination thereof. In an even further aspect, the metal can be aluminum, steel, or a combination thereof.

In a further aspect, the front portion of the bottom frame assembly can be longer than and parallel to the rear portion of the bottom frame assembly. In a still further aspect, the first side portion of the bottom frame assembly is not parallel to the second side portion of the bottom frame assembly, and the first and second side portions of the bottom frame assembly have the same length. In a yet further aspect, the front portion of the side frame assembly can be longer than and parallel to the rear portion of the bottom frame assembly. In an even further aspect, the top portion of the side frame assembly can be shorter than and not parallel to the bottom portion of the side frame assembly.

In various further aspects, the device can further comprise a basketball backboard and rim. In other aspects, the present disclosure provides a basketball return system comprising: a) a bottom frame assembly having a front portion, first and second side portions, and a rear portion, the bottom frame assembly comprising: a bottom support frame having a plurality of detachably connected tubular elements defining the edge of the bottom frame assembly, and a bottom screen component attached to the bottom support frame; b) at least two side frame assemblies, each side frame assembly having front, rear, top, bottom, and portions, each side frame assembly comprising: a side support frame having a plurality of detachably connected tubular elements, a side screen component attached to the side support frame, and an attachment component connected to a portion of the side frame assembly, and configured to releasably attach the side frame assembly to a basketball backboard at a substantially fixed position; c) a basketball backboard; and d) a basketball rim.

In a further aspect, a first side frame assembly can be detachably connected to the first and second side portion of the bottom frame assembly, and a second side frame assembly can be detachably connected to the second side portion of the bottom frame assembly. In a still further aspect, the attachment component can be configured to attached to the side frame assembly slide at multiple positions thereby allowing adjustment of the basketball return device to accommodate various backboard heights. In a yet further aspect, the second tubular element can be configured to slide into the first tubular element thereby allowing adjustment of the bottom frame assembly to accommodate various backboard widths. In an even further aspect, the attachment component can be configured to attached to the side frame assembly at multiple positions thereby allowing adjustment of the side frame assembly to accommodate various backboard heights.

According to various aspects of the invention, the basketball return devices and systems can comprise multiple configurations. For example, various exemplary embodiments and perspectives of the inventive devices and systems are shown in FIGS. 1-35.

In further aspects, FIGS. 1 and 2 show an exemplary basketball return device 100 according to the present invention. The basketball return device 100 comprising: a) a bottom frame assembly 101 having a front portion, first and second side portions, and a rear portion, the bottom frame assembly 101 comprising: a bottom support frame 103 having a plurality of detachably connected tubular elements defining the edge of the bottom frame assembly; and b) at least two side frame assemblies, each side frame assembly 107 having front, rear, top, bottom, and portions, each side frame assembly 107 comprising: a side support frame 109 having a plurality of detachably connected tubular elements, and an attachment component 113 connected to a portion of the side frame assembly 107, and configured to releasably attach the side frame assembly 107 to a basketball backboard at a substantially fixed position, and one side frame assembly 107 detachably connected to the first and second side portions of the bottom frame assembly 101. In various aspects, the device 100 also comprises a bottom screen component attached to the bottom support frame 103 and a side screen component attached to each side support frame 109. As shown in FIG. 1, the attachment component 113 comprises a hook, the hook comprising a hook arm 115 and a clamping arm 117. As shown in FIG. 2, the first end of the clamping arm 117 can be integrally connected to the first end of the hook arm 115; and the hook arm 115 can be an L-shaped elongated member and the clamp arm is an arcuate-shaped elongated member.

FIGS. 3-6 show various parts and components of an exemplary bottom frame assembly 101 comprising: a bottom support frame 103 having a plurality of detachably connected tubular elements defining the edge of the bottom frame assembly, and the plurality of detachably connected tubular elements are connected by a coupling means 119. As shown in FIG. 3, the bottom frame assemble can be angle out to allow broader range of shooting angle, for example, by shortening the back portion of the bottom support frame 103. As shown in FIG. 4, the coupling means 119 comprises a fitting, the fitting having a first coupling portion 119 a for coupling to a first end portion of a first tubular element and a second coupling portion 119 b for coupling to an opposing end portion of a second tubular element. As shown in FIG. 8, the second coupling portion comprises an aperture, the opposing end portion of the second tubular element comprises a spring button, and the second coupling portion is configured to radially connect to the opposing end portion of the second tubular element by extending the spring button 121 through the aperture from a first side of the second coupling portion to a second side of the second coupling portion. The arrows in FIG. 6 indicate female sides of the coupling means 119, and the connections are executed with spring buttons 121 which are install by sliding them inside the male end.

FIGS. 7-9 show various parts and components of exemplary side frame assembly 107 comprising: a side support frame 109 having a plurality of detachably connected tubular elements, a side screen component attached to the side support frame 109, and connecting means 123 for detachably connecting a side frame assembly 107 to the side portions of the bottom frame assembly 101. As shown in FIG. 7, the plurality of detachably connected tubular elements are connected by a coupling means 119, and the coupling means 119 comprises a fitting, the fitting having a first coupling portion for coupling to a first end portion of a first tubular element and a second coupling portion for coupling to an opposing end portion of a second tubular element. The second coupling portion comprises an aperture, the opposing end portion of the second tubular element comprises a spring button, and the second coupling portion is configured to radially connect to the opposing end portion of the second tubular element by extending the spring button through the aperture from a first side of the second coupling portion to a second side of the second coupling portion. The arrows in FIG. 8 indicate female sides of the coupling means 119, and the connections are executed with spring buttons which are install by sliding them inside the male end. As shown in FIG. 9, the connecting means 123 comprises a clip, the clip having an attachment portion for attaching to a portion of the side frame assembly 107 and a clamping portion for securing to a side portion of the bottom frame assembly 101. The clamping portion comprises a first clip arm and a second clip arm, and the first and second clips arms are configured to clamp the bottom support frame 103. Each clip arm comprises an aperture for connecting the first and second clip arms, and are configured to forcibly compress the first and second clip arms together in a closed position. The first and second clip arms can be closed by inserting a pin or screw through the apertures.

FIGS. 10-14 show various parts and components of exemplary attachment components 113 for connecting to a portion of the side frame assembly 107, and configured to releasably attach the side frame assembly 107 to a basketball backboard at a substantially fixed position. As shown in FIG. 10, the attachment component 113 can comprise a hook, the hook comprising a hook arm 115 and a clamping arm 117. The hook arm 115 has a first end and an opposed second end, the second end of the hook arm 115 having a flat plate portion, the flat plate portion being configured to connect to the side support frame 109; and the clamping arm 117 having a first end and an opposed second end, the second end of the clamping arm 117 having a flat plate portion, and the first end of the clamping arm 117 is connected to the first end of the hook arm 115. The clamping arm 117 is configured to secure the device to a basketball backboard by forcibly holding the basketball backboard between the flat plate portion of the clamping arm 117 and the flat plate portion of the hook arm 115. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the hook arm 115 and the clamp arm are L-shaped elongated members, the first end of the clamping arm 117 is movably connected to the first end of the hook arm 115; and the first end of the hook arm 115 and the first end of the clamp arm further comprise an aperture; and the hook arm 115 and clip arm are connected by extending a fastener 116 through the aperture of the first end of the hook arm 115 and aperture of the clamp arm. In another exemplary embodiment of an attachment device shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the first end of the clamping arm 117 is integrally connected to the first end of the hook arm 115; and the hook arm 115 is an L-shaped elongated member and the clamp arm is an arcuate-shaped elongated member. As shown in FIG. 14, the two arms are integrally connected so one can curve back in to grip plate-style backboards. The attachment device can attached with two wings nuts and counter sunk bolts. The apertures in the side support frame 109 allow height change.

FIG. 15 shows an exemplary screen component attached to a portion of a support frame. Here, the support frame comprises a plurality of screen apertures 125 configured for attaching the screen component 105, and the screen components are attached by screws, pins, straps, hooks, snaps, bands, fasteners, clips, clasps, or a combination thereof. The arrows in FIG. 16 show screen aperture 125 locations for possible screen component attachment points on a support frame.

FIGS. 17-20 show another exemplary basketball return device 200 comprising: a) a bottom frame assembly 201 having a front portion, first and second side portions, and a rear portion, the bottom frame assembly comprising: a bottom support frame 203 having a plurality of detachably connected tubular elements defining the edge of the bottom frame assembly, and a bottom screen component attached to the bottom support frame 203; and b) at least two side frame assemblies, each side frame assembly 207 having front, rear, top, bottom, and portions, each side frame assembly 207 comprising: a side support frame 209 having a plurality of detachably connected tubular elements, a side screen component attached to the side support frame 209, and an attachment component 213 connected to a portion of the side frame assembly 207, and configured to releasably attach the side frame assembly 207 to a basketball backboard at a substantially fixed position, and one side frame assembly 207 detachably connected to the first and second side portions of the bottom frame assembly. Here, the connecting means is a pin with a button for retracting pins for insertion or removal, allowing the user to insert the back two first and then rotate bottom up and secure the front. FIG. 17 shows a pack n play configuration where the bottom support assembly has been detached from the side frame assemblies, allowing joints to rotate and lock into position, and side members rotate and lock into place. FIG. 18 shows another exemplary attachment component 213 for connecting to a portion of the side frame assembly 207, and configured to releasably attach the side frame assembly 207 to a basketball backboard at a substantially fixed position. As shown in FIG. 19, the attachment component 213 can be adjusted on the side frame assembly.

According to the various embodiments of the disclosure, the invention includes at least the following aspects:

Aspect 1: A basketball return device comprising: a) a bottom frame assembly having a front portion, first and second side portions, and a rear portion, the bottom frame assembly comprising: i) a bottom support frame having a plurality of detachably connected tubular elements defining the edge of the bottom frame assembly, and ii) a bottom screen component attached to the bottom support frame; and b) at least two side frame assemblies, each side frame assembly having front, rear, top, bottom, and portions, each side frame assembly comprising: i) a side support frame having a plurality of detachably connected tubular elements, ii) a side screen component attached to the side support frame, and iii) an attachment component connected to a portion of the side frame assembly, and configured to releasably attach the side frame assembly to a basketball backboard at a substantially fixed position; wherein at least one side frame assembly is detachably connected to the first and second side portions of the bottom frame assembly.

Aspect 2: The device of aspect 1, wherein the plurality of detachably connected tubular elements of the bottom support frame and the plurality of detachably connected tubular elements of the side frame assemblies are connected by a coupling means.

Aspect 3: The device of aspect 2, wherein the coupling means comprises a fitting, flange, joint, coupling, insert, threading, friction fit, snap-fit or other suitable type of attachment or interlocking mechanism, or a combination thereof.

Aspect 4: The device of aspects 2-3, wherein the coupling means comprises a fitting, the fitting having a first coupling portion for coupling to a first end portion of a first tubular element and a second coupling portion for coupling to an opposing end portion of a second tubular element.

Aspect 5: The device of aspect 4, wherein the tubular element comprises a fitting connected to a first end portion of the tubular element.

Aspect 6: The device of aspects 4-5, wherein the tubular element comprises a first fitting connected to a first end portion and a second fitting connected to a second opposing end portion of the same tubular element.

Aspect 7: The device of aspect 6, wherein the first fitting and second fitting are connected to the tubular element by the first coupling portions of the first fitting and second fitting.

Aspect 8: The device of aspects 4-7, wherein the first coupling portion is connected to the tubular element by an adhesive, friction, brazing, soldering, welding, spot weld, screw with nut, or rivet, or a combination thereof.

Aspect 9: The device of aspects 4-8, wherein the second coupling portion is connected to the second tubular element by an adhesive, friction, brazing, soldering, welding, spot weld, screw with nut, or rivet, or a combination thereof.

Aspect 10: The device of aspects 4-9, wherein the second coupling portion comprises an aperture, wherein the opposing end portion of the second tubular element comprises a spring button, and wherein the second coupling portion is configured to radially connect to the opposing end portion of the second tubular element by extending the spring button through the aperture from a first side of the second coupling portion to a second side of the second coupling portion.

Aspect 11: The device of aspects 4-10, wherein a first end portion and second opposing end portion of a tubular element comprises a spring button, and wherein the second coupling portion of the fitting is configured to radially connect to the first end portion and second opposing end portion of the tubular element by extending the spring button through the aperture from a first side of the second coupling portion to a second side of the second coupling portion.

Aspect 12: The device of aspects 4-11, wherein the first tubular element and second tubular element are connected by inserting the opposing end of the second tubular element into the fitting.

Aspect 13: The device of aspects 1-12, wherein the rear portion of the bottom frame assembly comprises a first tubular element and second tubular element, each tubular element having first and opposing ends; and the first tubular element and second tubular element are connected by inserting the first end of the second tubular element into the opposing end of the first tubular element.

Aspect 14: The device of aspects 1-13, wherein the opposed end of the first tubular element comprises a fitting, and wherein the first tubular element and second tubular element are connected by inserting the first end of the second tubular element into the fitting.

Aspect 15: The device of aspects 4-14, wherein the second tubular element is configured to slide into the first tubular element thereby allowing adjustment of the basketball return device to accommodate various backboard widths.

Aspect 16: The device of aspects 1-15, wherein the front portion of the bottom frame assembly comprises a tubular element having a first end, opposing end, and a middle arcuate-shaped portion, and wherein the first end and opposing end are configured to correspondingly adjust the angle between the side portions of the bottom frame when the size of rear portion of the bottom frame is adjusted.

Aspect 17: The device of aspects 1-16, wherein the at least one side frame assembly is detachably connected to the bottom frame assembly by a connecting means.

Aspect 18: The device of aspects 17, wherein the connecting means comprises a fitting, flange, joint, coupling, clamp, clip, clasp, or other suitable type of attachment, or a combination thereof.

Aspect 19: The device of aspects 17-18, wherein the connecting means comprises a clip, the clip having an attachment portion for attaching to a portion of the side frame assembly and a clamping portion for securing to a side portion of the bottom frame assembly.

Aspect 20: The device of aspect 19, wherein the clamping portion comprises a first clip arm and a second clip arm, and wherein the first and second clips arms are configured to clamp the bottom support frame.

Aspect 21: The device of aspect 20, wherein each clip arm comprises an aperture for connecting the first and second clip arms, and are configured to forcibly compress the first and second clip arms together in a closed position.

Aspect 22: The device of aspects 20-21, wherein the first and second clip arms are closed by inserting a pin or screw through the apertures.

Aspect 23: The device of aspects 17-22, wherein the connecting means is configured to collapse from an installed configuration to a substantially flat configuration while the side frame assemblies remain substantially connected to the bottom frame assembly.

Aspect 24: The device of aspects 1-23, wherein the bottom support frame defines an outer edge of the bottom frame assembly.

Aspect 25: The device of aspects 1-24, wherein the side support frame defines an outer edge of the side frame assembly.

Aspect 26: The device of aspects 1-25, wherein the bottom screen component is contained within the bottom frame assembly edge.

Aspect 27: The device of aspects 1-26, wherein the side screen component is contained within the side frame assembly edge.

Aspect 28: The device of aspects 1-27, wherein the bottom support frame further comprises a plurality of apertures configured for attaching the bottom screen component.

Aspect 29: The device of aspects 1-28, wherein the side support frame further comprises a plurality of apertures configured for attaching the side screen component.

Aspect 30: The device of aspects 1-29, wherein the bottom and screen components are attached by screws, pins, straps, hooks, snaps, bands, fasteners, clips, clasps, or a combination thereof.

Aspect 31: The device of aspects 1-30, wherein the bottom and side screen components comprise a net, woven elastic strings, or elastic mesh, or combination thereof.

Aspect 32: The device of aspects 1-31, wherein the bottom and side support frames are in the shape of a square, rectangle, polygon, isosoles trapezoid, or a combination thereof.

Aspect 33: The device of aspects 1-32, wherein the bottom and side support frames have rounded corners

Aspect 34: The device of aspects 1- 33, wherein the tubular elements have a diameter in the range of about 0.5 inches to about 3 inches.

Aspect 35: The device of aspects 1-34, wherein the bottom and side support frames are comprised of a rigid material.

Aspect 36: The device of aspects 3-35, wherein the coupling means is comprised of a rigid material.

Aspect 37: The device of aspect 36, wherein the rigid material comprises a metal or thermoplastic, or a combination thereof.

Aspect 38: The device of aspect 37, wherein the metal is aluminum, steel, or a combination thereof.

Aspect 39: The device of aspects 1-38, wherein the attachment component comprises a hook, clamp, clip, or a combination thereof.

Aspect 40: The device of aspects 1-39, wherein the attachment component comprises a hook, the hook comprising a hook arm and a clamping arm, the hook arm having a first end and an opposed second end, the second end of the hook arm having a flat plate portion, the flat plate portion being connected to the side support frame; and the clamping arm having a first end and an opposed second end, the second end of the clamping arm having a flat plate portion.

Aspect 41: The device of aspect 40, wherein the first end of the clamping arm is connected to the first end of the hook arm; and wherein the clamping arm is configured to secure the device to a basketball backboard by forcibly holding the basketball backboard between the flat plate portion of the clamping arm and the flat plate portion of the hook arm.

Aspect 42: The device of aspect 40, wherein the first end of the clamping arm is movably connected to the first end of the hook arm; and wherein the first end of the hook arm and the first end of the clamp arm further comprise an aperture; and wherein the hook arm and clip arm are connected by extending a fastener through the aperture of the first end of the hook arm and aperture of the clamp arm.

Aspect 43: The device of aspects 40-42, wherein the flat plate portion of the hook arm comprises a plurality of apertures; and wherein the hook arm is connected to the side support frame by extending at least one fastener through at least one aperture of the plurality of apertures of the flat plate portion of the hook arm.

Aspect 44: The device of aspects 40, wherein the first end of the clamping arm is integrally connected to the first end of the hook arm; and wherein the hook arm is an L-shaped elongated member and the clamp arm is an arcuate-shaped elongated member.

Aspect 45: The device of aspect 40, wherein the hook arm and the clamp arm are L-shaped elongated members.

Aspect 46: The device of aspects 1-45, wherein the attachment component is configured to attached to the side frame assembly slide at multiple positions thereby allowing adjustment of the basketball return device to accommodate various backboard heights.

Aspect 47: The device of aspects 1-46, wherein the attachment component is comprised of a rigid material.

Aspect 48: The device of aspect 47, wherein the rigid material comprises a metal or thermoplastic, or a combination thereof.

Aspect 49: The device of aspect 47, wherein the metal is aluminum, steel, or a combination thereof.

Aspect 50: The device of aspects 1-49, wherein the front portion of the bottom frame assembly is longer than and parallel to the rear portion of the bottom frame assembly, and wherein the first side portion of the bottom frame assembly is not parallel to the second side portion of the bottom frame assembly, and the first and second side portions of the bottom frame assembly have the same length.

Aspect 51: The device of aspects 1-50, wherein the front portion of the side frame assembly is longer than and parallel to the rear portion of the bottom frame assembly, and wherein the top portion of the side frame assembly is shorter than and not parallel to the bottom portion of the side frame assembly.

Aspect 52: The device of aspect 1-51, further comprising a basketball backboard and rim.

Aspect 53: A basketball return system comprising: a) a bottom frame assembly having a front portion, first and second side portions, and a rear portion, the bottom frame assembly comprising: i) a bottom support frame having a plurality of detachably connected tubular elements defining the edge of the bottom frame assembly, and ii) a bottom screen component attached to the bottom support frame; b) at least two side frame assemblies, each side frame assembly having front, rear, top, bottom, and portions, each side frame assembly comprising: i) a side support frame having a plurality of detachably connected tubular elements, ii) a side screen component attached to the side support frame, and iii) an attachment component connected to a portion of the side frame assembly, and configured to releasably attach the side frame assembly to a basketball backboard at a substantially fixed position; c) a basketball backboard; and d) a basketball rim; wherein a first side frame assembly is detachably connected to the first and second side portion of the bottom frame assembly, and a second side frame assembly is detachably connected to the second side portion of the bottom frame assembly; wherein the attachment component is configured to attached to the side frame assembly slide at multiple positions thereby allowing adjustment of the basketball return device to accommodate various backboard heights; wherein the second tubular element is configured to slide into the first tubular element thereby allowing adjustment of the bottom frame assembly to accommodate various backboard widths; and wherein the attachment component is configured to attached to the side frame assembly at multiple positions thereby allowing adjustment of the side frame assembly to accommodate various backboard heights.

While aspects of the present invention can be described and claimed in a particular statutory class, such as the system statutory class, this is for convenience only and one of skill in the art will understand that each aspect of the present invention can be described and claimed in any statutory class. Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method or aspect set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not specifically state in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way appreciably intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow, plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation, or the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

Throughout this application, various publications are referenced. The disclosures of these publications in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which this pertains. The references disclosed are also individually and specifically incorporated by reference herein for the material contained in them that is discussed in the sentence in which the reference is relied upon. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided herein can be different from the actual publication dates, which can require independent confirmation.

The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and can include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 

What is claimed:
 1. A basketball return device comprising: a) a bottom frame assembly having a front portion, first and second side portions, and a rear portion, the bottom frame assembly comprising: i) a bottom support frame having a plurality of detachably connected tubular elements defining the edge of the bottom frame assembly, and ii) a bottom screen component attached to the bottom support frame; and b) at least two side frame assemblies, each side frame assembly having front, rear, top, bottom, and portions, each side frame assembly comprising: i) a side support frame having a plurality of detachably connected tubular elements, ii) a side screen component attached to the side support frame, and iii) an attachment component connected to a portion of the side frame assembly, and configured to releasably attach the side frame assembly to a basketball backboard at a substantially fixed position; wherein at least one side frame assembly is detachably connected to the first and second side portions of the bottom frame assembly.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of detachably connected tubular elements of the bottom support frame and the plurality of detachably connected tubular elements of the side frame assemblies are connected by a coupling means.
 3. The device of claim 3, wherein the second coupling portion comprises an aperture, wherein the opposing end portion of the second tubular element comprises a spring button, and wherein the second coupling portion is configured to radially connect to the opposing end portion of the second tubular element by extending the spring button through the aperture from a first side of the second coupling portion to a second side of the second coupling portion.
 4. The device of claim 4, wherein a first end portion and second opposing end portion of a tubular element comprises a spring button, and wherein the second coupling portion of the fitting is configured to radially connect to the first end portion and second opposing end portion of the tubular element by extending the spring button through the aperture from a first side of the second coupling portion to a second side of the second coupling portion.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the rear portion of the bottom frame assembly comprises a first tubular element and second tubular element, each tubular element having first and opposing ends; and the first tubular element and second tubular element are connected by inserting the first end of the second tubular element into the opposing end of the first tubular element.
 6. The device of claim 4, wherein the second tubular element is configured to slide into the first tubular element thereby allowing adjustment of the basketball return device to accommodate various backboard widths.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the front portion of the bottom frame assembly comprises a tubular element having a first end, opposing end, and a middle arcuate-shaped portion, and wherein the first end and opposing end are configured to correspondingly adjust the angle between the side portions of the bottom frame when the size of rear portion of the bottom frame is adjusted.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one side frame assembly is detachably connected to the bottom frame assembly by a connecting means.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the connecting means is configured to collapse from an installed configuration to a substantially flat configuration while the side frame assemblies remain substantially connected to the bottom frame assembly.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the attachment component comprises a hook, clamp, clip, or a combination thereof.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the attachment component comprises a hook, the hook comprising a hook arm and a clamping arm, the hook arm having a first end and an opposed second end, the second end of the hook arm having a flat plate portion, the flat plate portion being connected to the side support frame; and the clamping arm having a first end and an opposed second end, the second end of the clamping arm having a flat plate portion.
 12. The device of claim 11, wherein the first end of the clamping arm is connected to the first end of the hook arm; and wherein the clamping arm is configured to secure the device to a basketball backboard by forcibly holding the basketball backboard between the flat plate portion of the clamping arm and the flat plate portion of the hook arm.
 13. The device of claim 11, wherein the first end of the clamping arm is movably connected to the first end of the hook arm; and wherein the first end of the hook arm and the first end of the clamp arm further comprise an aperture; and wherein the hook arm and clip arm are connected by extending a fastener through the aperture of the first end of the hook arm and aperture of the clamp arm.
 14. The device of claim 11, wherein the flat plate portion of the hook arm comprises a plurality of apertures; and wherein the hook arm is connected to the side support frame by extending at least one fastener through at least one aperture of the plurality of apertures of the flat plate portion of the hook arm.
 15. The device of claim 11, wherein the first end of the clamping arm is integrally connected to the first end of the hook arm; and wherein the hook arm is an L-shaped elongated member and the clamp arm is an arcuate-shaped elongated member.
 16. The device of claim 11, wherein the attachment component is configured to attached to the side frame assembly slide at multiple positions thereby allowing adjustment of the basketball return device to accommodate various backboard heights.
 17. The device of claim 1, wherein the front portion of the bottom frame assembly is longer than and parallel to the rear portion of the bottom frame assembly, and wherein the first side portion of the bottom frame assembly is not parallel to the second side portion of the bottom frame assembly, and the first and second side portions of the bottom frame assembly have the same length.
 18. The device of claim 1, wherein the front portion of the side frame assembly is longer than and parallel to the rear portion of the bottom frame assembly, and wherein the top portion of the side frame assembly is shorter than and not parallel to the bottom portion of the side frame assembly.
 19. The device of claim 1, further comprising a basketball backboard and rim.
 20. A basketball return system comprising: a) a bottom frame assembly having a front portion, first and second side portions, and a rear portion, the bottom frame assembly comprising: i) a bottom support frame having a plurality of detachably connected tubular elements defining the edge of the bottom frame assembly, and ii) a bottom screen component attached to the bottom support frame; b) at least two side frame assemblies, each side frame assembly having front, rear, top, bottom, and portions, each side frame assembly comprising: i) a side support frame having a plurality of detachably connected tubular elements, ii) a side screen component attached to the side support frame, and iii) an attachment component connected to a portion of the side frame assembly, and configured to releasably attach the side frame assembly to a basketball backboard at a substantially fixed position; c) a basketball backboard; and d) a basketball rim; wherein a first side frame assembly is detachably connected to the first and second side portion of the bottom frame assembly, and a second side frame assembly is detachably connected to the second side portion of the bottom frame assembly; wherein the attachment component is configured to attached to the side frame assembly slide at multiple positions thereby allowing adjustment of the basketball return device to accommodate various backboard heights; wherein the second tubular element is configured to slide into the first tubular element thereby allowing adjustment of the bottom frame assembly to accommodate various backboard widths; and wherein the attachment component is configured to attached to the side frame assembly at multiple positions thereby allowing adjustment of the side frame assembly to accommodate various backboard heights. 